A learning network framework for modern organizations. Organizational learning, knowledge management and ICT support
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/03055720610703588 |
| Published date | 01 July 2006 |
| Pages | 289-303 |
| Date | 01 July 2006 |
| Author | Alex Bennet,M. Shane Tomblin |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management |
A learning network framework
for modern organizations
Organizational learning, knowledge
management and ICT support
Alex Bennet
Mountain Quest Institute, Frost, West Virginia, USA, and
M. Shane Tomblin
Management and Marketing Division, Lewis College of Business,
Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, USA
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this article is to provide an integrated framework including knowledge
management (KM), organizational learning (OL), and information and communication technologies
(ICT).
Design/methodology/a pproach – A synthesis of the existing literature with preliminary
supporting empirical evidence reported is presented in the article.
Findings – A theoretical framework is developed.
Research limitations/implications – The results of the article can be used to guide ongoing
research in the area of KM, OL, and ICT.
Originality/value – The paper makes a contribution to understanding in the fields of KM and OL in
particular and ICT secondarily.
Keywords Knowledge management, Workplace learning,Communication technologies
Paper type Conceptual paper
Introduction
Given the growing recognition of the importance of knowledge as a strategic resource
for the modern organization, it is not surprising that many recent investigations focus
on its creation, use, and management. Knowledge management (KM), as an area of
research, has knowledge as its central focus. Although its various researchers have not
always made the concept of knowledge prominent, organizational learning (OL) is also
concerned with knowledge. The apparent separation of these fields of inquiry is the
result of history as well as perceived differences in their respective conceptual
underpinnings. OL research predates KM research by roughly three decades. OL has
its basis in those schools of thought concerned with using theories or models of
individual learning to frame a discussion of learning within or by organizations, with
little concern for the by-product of such learning. KM research has viewed knowledge
as another firm resource but has given little attention to social aspects of knowledge.
With the growth of information and communication technology (ICT) use in modern
organizations, various researchers have discussed and studied its ability to enable or
support both KM and OL. For OL purists, ICT has been something of an afterthought,
while KM research has been criticized as having an overly technological focus. Whil e
both areas can be discussed with little or no reference to ICTs, there can be little doubt
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
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A learning
network
framework
289
VINE: The journal of information and
knowledge management systems
Vol. 36 No. 3, 2006
pp. 289-303
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0305-5728
DOI 10.1108/03055720610703588
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